Sealers for Stamped Concrete and Driveways

Posted: Wed, Sep 10, 2014

Choosing
the appropriate sealer for your stamped concrete and driveway areas is
imperative for ensuring that your investment lasts for years to come. Picking
the wrong sealant can lead to a ruined concrete product. To help you protect
your decorative concrete we have gathered concrete contractor tips of the trade
for choosing the perfect sealer, as well as a few handy dos and don'ts.

How to Choose the Perfect Sealer for Decorative
Concrete

The
best sealant to use for an outdoor stamped concrete or decorative concrete is a
solvent-based acrylic sealer. Solvent-based acrylic sealers are recommended by
concrete contractors because they are economical and less likely to alter the
color of the decorative concrete. These products are also UV resistant,
non-yellowing, easy to apply, and breathable. This last characteristic ensures
that moisture can escape from the stamped concrete.

Prior
to picking a sealer, be sure to check that your chosen sealer will be able to
handle the following elements and that it is the right product for the job.

Know what weather conditions to which the sealer will
be exposed.

Make sure that the sealer is breathable.

Know what type of finish the sealer will produce.

Determine if the sealer is economically reasonable, by
knowing its life expectancy.

Calculate the drying time and coverage rate prior to
starting your sealing project.

Sealer
Dos and Don'ts

Do: Apply two thin coats of sealer.Do: Let the
first coat of sealer dry before adding a second coat.Do: Follow
manufacturer's application guidelines.Do: Use a
solvent-based acrylic sealant for outdoor concrete surfaces.Do: Apply a
sealer to decorative concrete surfaces every two to three years.

By
understanding these fundamental elements you will be able to pick out the
perfect sealer for your decorative concrete and stamped concrete needs.
Remember that choosing a sealer for exterior uses is vastly different from
choosing a sealer to meet interior needs. Understanding your needs, the weather
conditions, and the above sealant dos and don'ts will save you time and money.
Choosing the correct, concrete contractor recommended sealer will also help to
ensure that your outdoor concrete area lasts for years to come.